Photos By: Tom Rentz
Make Them Suffer Brings Chaos to a Sold-Out Bogart's in Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s legendary venue, Bogart’s, was packed wall to wall as metalcore fans gathered for a night of unrelenting energy and sonic destruction. The sold-out stop on Make Them Suffer’s "North American Tour" was nothing short of electrifying, with Like Moths To Flames, Windwaker, and Aviana setting the stage for a brutal night of music. From the first note to the final encore, the crowd was locked in, feeding off the intensity of every band.
Aviana Opens with Relentless Energy
The night kicked off with Swedish metalcore act Aviana, and they wasted no time diving into their set. They launched into "DELIRIUM," setting an aggressive tone that immediately got the crowd moving. Vocalist Joel Holmqvist’s guttural screams and melodic transitions gripped the audience as the band plowed through songs like "STORM ABLAZE," "Rage," and "My Worst Enemy." The crowd roared in approval as Aviana closed with "Obsession," solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with in modern metalcore.
Windwaker Brings a Unique Flavor
Australia’s Windwaker followed with an explosive set that blended metalcore with electronic and nu-metal influences. The band’s high-energy stage presence was contagious as they kicked things off with "Dopamine Freestyle." Frontman Liam Guinane had the crowd in the palm of his hand as they tore through tracks like "Tabula Rasa," "Apathy," and "Fractured State of Mind." Their cover of "The Wall" by Pink Floyd was a standout moment, reimagined with a modern, heavy twist.
Windwaker wrapped things up with "SIRENS," leaving the crowd hyped and wanting more.
Like Moths To Flames Ignite Bogart’s
Direct support came from Ohio’s own Like Moths To Flames, and the hometown energy was undeniable. The band exploded into "Habitual Decline," setting the room on fire with their signature blend of punishing breakdowns and soaring choruses. Tracks like "Over The Garden Wall," "You'll Burn," and "The Worst In Me" had the crowd screaming every word. As they powered through "What Do We See When We Leave This Place?" and "I Solemnly Swear," the pit was in full force, bodies moving in chaotic unison. They closed their set with the emotionally charged "Bury Your Pain," leaving the audience exhilarated and primed for the main event.
Make Them Suffer Devours Cincinnati
As the lights dimmed, the anticipation inside Bogart’s reached a fever pitch. Make Them Suffer emerged to a deafening roar, opening their set with "Epitaph." The energy in the room was instant and overwhelming, with fans headbanging, moshing, and crowd-surfing as the Australian juggernauts unleashed their fury. "Bones" and "Uncharted" followed in quick succession, each song showcasing the band’s ability to weave crushing brutality with hauntingly beautiful melodies.
The emotional ballad "Ether" provided a brief respite before the chaos resumed with "Mana God" and "Ghost of Me." As the set progressed, Make Them Suffer delivered fan-favorite "Oscillator" and the monstrous "Weaponized," with vocalist Sean Harmanis delivering guttural screams that shook the venue. The night continued to escalate through "Hollowed Heart," "Soul Decay," and "Erase Me," with the crowd matching every lyric and breakdown with unrelenting enthusiasm.
Just when it seemed the show had peaked, the band unleashed "Doomswitch," sending the pit into a frenzy one last time. Fans screamed for more, and Make Them Suffer answered with an encore of "Widower." The emotional weight of the song, combined with the raw energy in the room, created an unforgettable closing moment.
Final Thoughts
This sold-out show at Bogart’s was nothing short of legendary. Each band delivered powerhouse performances, keeping the audience engaged and on their feet from start to finish. Make Them Suffer proved once again why they are one of the most exciting forces in modern metalcore, leaving Cincinnati in awe. From bone-crushing breakdowns to stunning melodies, this was a night of pure metal mayhem that will be remembered by fans for years to come.
Setlist:
- Epitaph
- Bones
- Uncharted
- Ether
- Mana God
- Ghost Of Me
- Oscillator
- Weaponized
- Hollowed Heart
- Soul Decay
- Erase Me
- Doomswitch
Encore:
13. Widower
Photos By: Tom Rentz
Setlist:
- Habitual Decline
- Over The Garden Wall
- You'll Burn
- The Worst In Me
- Burn In Water, Drown In Flame
- What Do We See When We Leave This Place?
- I Solemnly Swear
- Kintsugi
- Bury Your Pain
Photos By: Tom Rentz
Setlist:
- Dopamine Freestyle
- Tabula Rasa
- Apathy
- Fractured State Of Mind
- The Wall
- Break The Rules
- Venom
- SIRENS
Photos By: Tom Rentz
Setlist:
- DELIRIUM
- STORM ABLAZE
- Rage
- My Worst Enemy
- FATHER
- Oblivion
- Anomaly
- Obsession